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BUCK HILL FALLS PA

SPRING 2018

The Breeze Spring Into Fun! • Golf • Fishing • Tennis • Fairway Grille

Culture Club: Music Theater Lectures

The Real BH Spirit

THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

SPRING 2018

THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

In This Issue SHOOTIN’ THE BREEZE

GEN NEXT

THE SOCIAL NETWORK

THAT SPORTING LIFE

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

IT’S YOUR BUSINESS

ON & OFF CAMPUS

DIARY OF

CALL OF THE WILD

BULLETIN BOARD

SPRING 2018

Editor-in-Chief Karen Walden Executive Editor Jennifer Brown Mittereder Publisher Willa Jean Price Contributors Nicole Abrams, Maryjane Baer, Chrissy Caiazzo-Pritchard, Fran Durst, Brian Fowler, Laurie LaGuzda, Mary Lowengard, Pat McGrath, Tomas Ollestad, Tom O’Malley, Audra Ottaway, Roxana Rojas, Elise Ross, Jeff Smith, Karen Tetor, Robin Widing, Marianne Zychal President, Buck Hill Falls Company Mike O’Shea Manager of PR & Communications Erin L. Delaney

THE BREEZE DEADLINES 2018-2019 June Issue May 1 July Issue June 1 August Issue July 1 Fall Issue August 3 (Sept/Oct/Nov) Winter Issue November 2 (Dec/Jan/Feb/Mar) Spring Issue (Apr/May) March 1 Editorial submissions may be sent to thebreeze@buckhillfalls.com Production and Advertising Sales— Willa Jean Price. For a list of advertising rates or advertising submissions, contact bhbreeze@icloud.com or 570 595-6220

THE BREEZE • OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BUCK HILL FALLS COMPANY Publication Schedule: Winter (December/January/February/March), Spring (April/May), June, July, August, Fall (September/October/November Articles appearing in The Breeze are presented as a community service. They do not necessarily represent the views of the Buck Hill Falls Company or the editorial staff. The Buck Hill Falls Company disclaims any liability for any advertisements published herein and in no way endorses or guarantees these ads. The publisher and editors reserve the right to reject any ads submitted. Visit our web site at www.buckhillfalls.com.

Buck Hill Falls Company Office • P.O. Box 426, Buck Hill Falls, PA 18323 • 570 595-7511; fax 570 595-9426 Hours: Mondays-Fridays, 8am-4:30pm • Plus Summer Saturdays: 8am-11:30am

THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

Shootin’ The Breeze

SPRING 2018

• This year, March roared into BH like a ferocious lion with super-storm Riley’s arrival. Our story on page 11 is a first-hand report of how this storm impacted Buck Hill, and our spirited response to it. But now we all agree that it’s time to welcome spring to our community: Time to greet snowbirds returning to campus; time to visit neighbors opening their cottages; time to get excited about another glorious Buck Hill season. Get ready!

• Bru may be only 1 1/2 years old, but she became an accomplished, championship show dog before Ginny and Frank May adopted her. Bru is a Sealyham Terrier, a breed whose mission was to hunt badgers and fox in Wales. They were bred with hind legs longer than the front ones, with big round paws (to Stop by with a treat and dig easily), and a white coat to say “hello” to returning neighbors. Chocolate chip make them visible in the field. True to her calling, Bru concookies anyone? stantly hunts in the house looking for anything to “adopt.” She is a working dog outside, but a loving rag doll inside Cottage 232. Look for her out with Frank and Ginny on their daily walks. • Twenty intrepid Buck Hillers welcomed in 2018 at a Buck Hill Yoga session in the barely-heated Tennis Tea on New Year’s Eve Day. While some hearty soles wore parkas and brought along space heaters, instructor Amy McMahon kept everyone movBru is longing to get outing. Following the 9am session, side and do her thing. 10 participants moved to the Urice Room for a 90-minute Nidra (deep guided meditation sleep). Following Nidra, a second Yoga class was held for an additional 10 participants. What a way to start the New Nothing can stop the yoga devotees who bundled up for class in the Tennis Tea. Year!

THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

Gen Next

Lorraine Tomko (center) celebrates her birthday at yoga class with her niece Sonia Melnikoff White (left) and daughter Janice Tomko Spindel (right).

• When Lorraine Tomko celebrated her 96th birthday in late January, lotus poses and downward dogs preceded the champagne and cake. Lorraine has been a faithful student in Kimberly Matthew’s weekly Kripalu yoga class at the FCC for over 15 years. Lorraine is well known as a Barrett businesswoman since the forties, and for her years of work on Gertie’s Garrett–a popular component of the BHAA’s annual Art Show. Lorraine and her daughter and son-in-law, Janise and David Spindel, reside on Lenape Lane (Cottage 138).

Kathy O’Mara Lewis poses for the camera at Camp Club activities in the late sixties/early seventies.

• Take a trip down memory lane with these photos of Cottager Kathy O’Mara Lewis (Cottage 715). These snapshots feature Camp Club and the Fourth of July Parade festivities during the late sixties/early seventies. Back then, Inn guests attended the Parade with the usual speeches and the releasing of the pigeons near the Inn property. Today, these summer holiday traditions happen at the pool ceremony each year. As Kathy says, “Times are different, but these traditions are still wonderful events in the community.” • A Message from Security Chief Andy Andrejcisk: I’d like to welcome back BH residents and look forward to meeting our new cottagers. Please remember that if you have the need to call Security (570-595-3737) your call is being answered by one of our 24/7 security patrol officers in their vehicle. Therefore, please do not give private information over the phone, as it is considered an open-air call (people in the surrounding communities can hear your conversation with a scanner). Simply give your name and address to the security officer and ask him/her to call you back at your cottage. This procedure will ensure that your request will be kept confidential. • In advance, thank you for sending us news of all sorts—photos, too—for inclusion in The Breeze. We welcome your submissions at thebreeze@buckhillfalls.com

SPRING 2018

Getting Psyched We’ve got a great lineup for Camp Club this year: just take a look at the weekly themes and Friday outings for the 2018 season.

Week 1: June 25-29, Go Green. We’re going back to nature this week planting seeds, learning about bees, and tackling recycling projects along with hikes and creating art in the great outdoors. Friday we will visit Mountainview Park. Week 2: July 2-6, Camp Spirit. It will be nothing but fun as we celebrate new and old friendships with Mustache Monday, Wacky Tuesday, Fourth of July Wednesday Parade and Ceremony, Pajama Day Thursday, and Sports Shirt Friday. Week 3: July 9-13, Magic & Mystery. Abracadabra, hocus pocus, Harry Potter games, magic tricks, and escape room adventures are in store for the kids this week. Clues will lead campers on scavenger hunts until they end up at our annual Camp Carnival on Friday with games, inflatables, prizes, popcorn, sand art, a photo booth, and much more. Week 4: July 16-20, Not Just Desserts. Food-themed crafts and games will take over this week: apple printing, monster veggie building competition, and homemade ice cream. We close out the week sampling some toasty s’mores at our first camp out. Week 5: July 23-27, Seasons. From sprinklers to snowball fights, campers will experience the best of all four seasons. Monday: Springtime in the Park; Tuesday: Autumn Leaves; Wednesday: Winter Wonderland; Thursday: Summertime and the Livin’ is Easy; Friday: Off to Camelbeach. Week 6: July 30-August 3, No Theme Week. Anything goes! We will fill the days with camper-choice, counselor-generated fun, new games, and traditional favorites. Friday, our campers ages 3-6 will venture to Pocono Rocks and our campers ages 7 and up will be rafting on the Lehigh River. Week 7: Aug 6-10, Blast from the Past. Go back in time with us: dinosaurs, cowboys, hippies, disco, and more. We will dream about our trip through the decades at our second camp out. Campers will make a tie-dye bag to pack their camp out supplies. Week 8: August 13-17, Little Einsteins. We dig into some subjects we’ll soon be studying: art and music, historical crafts, and wacky dances. Reading class will be in session as we partner our older and younger campers for story time. We’ll have STEM activities, and PE games throughout the week. Each camper will be sent home with a back-toschool goody bag at our end-of-season award ceremony.

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THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

Foxhowe’s 2018 Season

SPRING 2018

This summer line-up promises to enthrall just about everyone. The schedule opens with nationally renowned foreign affairs expert David Ignatius and wraps up with former White House chef John Mueller, followed by the annual Labor Day weekend picnic atop Metzgar’s Farm. Children and families will enjoy a special presentation by Pete Oxford, a conservation photographer, as well as a dynamic, interactive science exhibition, and a creative rock-painting project. Foxhowe also joins in hosting the packed Espionage and national security take three-day celebration of the stage as foreign the Buck Hill Inn during affairs expert David the weekend prior to the fourth of July. Look Ignatius kicks-off Foxhowe’s summer for Foxhowe’s “Sneak Peek” mailing to learn season. more about the upcoming experts in foreign intelligence, photography, art, science, genetics, and culinary arts. All programs are free and open to the public. For more information, go to Foxhowe.com. Sunday, June 24 David Ignatius The Washington Post foreign affairs columnist, bestselling author of spy-thrillers and espionage, and NBC analyst. Friday, June 29, Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1 Century In A Weekend See story opposite for more information about the three-day weekend celebrating the Inn. Friday, July 6 or Saturday, July 7: Children’s Program Sunday, July 8: Adult Presentation Pete Oxford World-renowned award-winning conservation and wildlife photographer and expedition leader. Saturday, July 14 Painting Rocks Project Buck Hill is joining in the fun where children of all ages will design and paint rocks that will be hidden throughout the community. Sunday, July 22 Susan Roberts Council Chair of Villa I Painted rocks will Tatti Council, The Harvard be hidden around University Center for Italcampus. ian Renaissance Studies.

THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

The Social Network Saturday, August 4 Science Tellers Children’s Program “Wild West: The Mystery of the Haunted Piano”: Action-packed science show with chemical reactions, combustion, air pressure, inertia, and more. Sunday, August 12 Ron Hart – CRISPR Professor of Biology and Neuroscience and an expert on genomics will speak about CRISPR—the power to alter, delete, and rearrange the DNA of nearly any living organism. Sunday, August 19 John Mueller Former White House Chef to three first families and author of Dining at the White House: From the President’s Table to Yours. Sunday, September 2 Metzgar’s Farm Annual Labor Day Weekend Picnic

Music In The Hills Once again, the Pocono Mountains Music Festival (PMMF) brings worldclass entertainment with award-winning performers to the Pocono Mountains. Dr. David Mazza, founder and Board President, says, “We started nine years ago in the communities of Buck Hill Falls and Skytop, expanded into Stroudsburg, and are pleased, this year, to add Honesdale as we continue to grow the festival in quality and location to truly be the definitive Pocono Mountains Music Festival.” From Broadway to cabaret to country, this year’s Pocono Mountains Music Festival has it all. Pre-season events include: • Saturday, May 19, The Marcy & Zina Show, Skytop Lodge Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich make up one of NYC’s most successful and popular composing teams—and they are phenomenal performers as well. They are recipients of the ASCAP Foundation Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award and nominees for the Lucille Lortel and Drama Desk Awards.

• Friday, June 15, You’ve Got A Friend: The Music of the Brill Building, The Cooperage, Honesdale In the middle of New York City, in the heart of Times Square, sits The Brill Building, home to songwriters Award winning voCarole King, Neil calist Scott Coulter Sedaka, and Neil Dia- will perform favorite mond, among others. songs of the sixties The songs they wrote and seventies. changed the sound of popular music and became some of the most iconic songs of all time. “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” “Where the Boys Are,” and “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” all came from the famed music factory. Multi-award winning vocalist Scott Coulter takes you on a journey into the music — and the stories—of the singers and the songs that defined a generation. Regular programing starts at the end of July and includes: • Friday, July 27, Centennial Celebration of Song, East Stroudsburg University It’s been about 100 years since the birth of Leonard Bernstein, Jerome Robbins, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Dizzy Gillespie, and Dean Martin. To celebrate the lasting influence these legendary artists had on American music, the PMMF is proud to present an electrifying evening honoring their incredible legacy. A cast of New York City’s top vocalists will be joined by current and former residents of the Pocono Mountains in a concert that will bring together world-class talent from around the world and our own backyard. • Saturday, July 28, Southern Comfort: A Country Music Celebration, East Stroudsburg University Get ready for some foot-stomping, downhome music featuring the “The Honky-Tonk Tenors” (NY Daily News) performing classic country tunes from the forties to the hottest contemporary hits. An award-winning vocal trio performs chart-toppers by Glen Campbell, Vince Gill, Patti Loveless, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Trisha Yearwood, Randy Travis, and many more. • Sunday, July 29, Love Letters, East Stroudsburg University This is a special presentation of A.R. Gurney’s classic play, Love Letters, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The epistolary two-character play centers on Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III over their 50-year life story. It stars Drama Desk nominee and PMMF board member Star of screen and Barbara Andres and stage, Tony Roberts, can be seen in A.R. film and stage star Gurney’s play, Tony Roberts. Tony Love Letters. will be recreating the

role he performed on Broadway with Carol Burnett and also Lucie Arnaz. • Thursday, August 2, Cabaret Night, Buck Hill Falls New York fun and sophistication come to the Tennis Tea with a performance by one of New York’s brightest young stars, Andrew Keenan-Bolger. You’ve seen him on Broadway (Newsies, Tuck Everlasting, Mary Poppins), film (Newsies), television (Nurse Jackie, MTV’s FNMTV) and the internet, where he serves as director and editor of the hit web series Submissions Only. Now experience his soaring voice and captivating storytelling in an intimate cabaret setting for the whole family. • Friday, August 3, Performing Arts Camp Showcase, Pocono Mountain East High School The festival is thrilled to present a roof-raising concert featuring the students from the Performing Arts Camp along with their award-winning faculty. • Saturday, August 4, Jerry Herman: The Broadway Legacy Concert, Pocono Mountain East High School

Jerry Herman is a legendary composer/lyricist of the American Musical Theater and one of Broadway’s most beloved icons. From Hello, Dolly and Mame to La Cage aux Folles, Jerry Herman’s Enjoy the music of songs have lit up Broadway for decades legenday composer Jerry Herman at with toe-tapping, soul-stirring musical the wrap up of the PMMF. showstoppers. A cast of top Broadway and concert stars, including Tony Award-winner Debbie Gravitte, two-time Tony nominee Ron Raines, Broadway stars Jason Graae, Klea Blackhurst and John Boswell–as well as the debut of our own orchestra, the Pocono Pops!–celebrates the songs and stories of one of the true giants of the theatre. For tickets and additional information visit our website www.PoconoFest.org or Facebook@PoconoMountainsMusicFestival.

Century In A Weekend

Saturday June 30 Conservation Foundation Dinner Dance Hosted by the Buck Hill Conservation Foundation “Midsummer Night’s Dream” is the theme to conjure the magic for the Buck Hill Conservation Foundation’s annual Dinner Dance. Dazzle on the dance floor in your best fairy, jester, or Athenian attire. The former Inn site serves as the stage for this year’s fundraiser, which promises some colorful surprises. Purchase tickets at buckhillconservation.org. Sunday July 1 Past and Present of the Buck Hill Inn Join the all-day events which include: Quaker Meeting (9am): Everyone is welcome at the service—a long-established and quiet Buck Hill tradition—which will be held in front of the fireplace preserved from the East Room, which proudly proclaims “the simple life and friendly cheer.” Memory Tables (Sunday afternoon): Browse Inn memorabilia and photos and share memories of the great establishment with other guests. Display your own artifacts; reserve space by emailing BHFoxhowe@gmail.com. The Buck Hill Inn Movie (Sunday afternoon): Walk the red carpet for the premier of the film commemorating the Buck Hill Inn. This professional film is a time capsule that brings together the photos, video, history, and narratives that capture the noble Buck Hill Inn. Memory Booklet Take home a Buck Hill Memory Booklet, packed with the reminiscences of those who have loved the Inn—including your recollection.

The past Inn remembered by all in 2018.

The Buck Hill Inn site is ready to spring to new life with the launch of a threeday celebration featuring events for all ages. The June 29, 30, and July 1, 2018 weekend includes all the prerequisites for revelry—music, food, dance, and games—and culminates on Sunday with an eagerly anticipated premier showing of The Buck Hill Inn film. A Buck Hill Memory Booklet featuring myriad recollections of the Inn, will be given out to cottagers and guests. Write your memory of the Inn, using no more than about 100 words and send it to BHFoxhowe@gmail.com along with a relevant photo if you have one. Friday June 29 Flashback to the Blue Stone Room Hosted by the Lot & Cottage Owners’ Association. Reminisce with family and friends about the soda jerk-and-checkered-tablecloth days of the beloved Blue Stone Room of the Inn. Games, ice cream, burgers, and a cash bar provide fun for all ages.

SPRING 2018

R e s i de n t i a l

ASPHALT MAINTENANCE

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The Buck Hill Art Association is pleased to announce their Annual Membership Party is being hosted at the home of JR Robbins, 366 Summit Drive on June 23 at 5:30pm. Memberships and donations will be collected at the door, and proceeds go toward preserving Buck Hill’s Art collection, classes for adults and families, art scholarships for the community, fireside chats with visiting artists, and many more programs enriching Buck Hill’s Arts community.

THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

Golf News by Tom O’Malley

SPRING 2018

THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

Save The Dates June 24—Mixed Club Championship July 12-14—Men’s Member-Guest Invitational. August 4—Strode Memorial Mixed Member-Guest. August 5-6—Junior Club Championship August 6 & 13—Ladies’ 9-Hole Club Championship August 7—Ladies’ 9- and 18-Hole Member-Guest. August 12-14—Golden Years Senior Men’s Team Championship August 14-20 & 22-23—Ladies’ Club Championship Qualifying, Matches, and Stroke Play August 18-19 & 25-26—Starr Memorial Men’s and Senior Club Championships Please contact the Golf Shop (buckhillgolf@buckhillfalls.com or 570 595-7730) for more info on any of the clinics or with questions regarding the upcoming season. For info on events, check out the schedule at www.buckhillfalls.com.

That Sporting Life

e hope everyone had a fantastic winter, and trust that you are as excited as we are about the upcoming season at Buck Hill. • Mark and his crew were able to get a lot done on the course over the winter, including tree trimming that has opened up some views and shots on the Blue Course, and drainage work on some wet areas. • Gary Clark, Ed Urban, and Ryan O’Malley are excited about returning to Buck Hill and making this season better than ever. I am proud of the hard work and dedication these guys put forth to help make Buck Hill a place of great pride and enjoyment for our members and guests. • With the return of the season comes our instruction programs—let us help you get on track to meet your goals. Gary will be doing his “Get Golf Ready” session—our program to help new golfers get started as well as a tune up for those that have some experience. Get Golf Ready is held on Saturdays at 11am, Perfect any part of your game with and is comprised of three session (May 19, June 16, our Get Golf Ready program. and July 21) and four weeks per session. We start with short game, then irons, woods, and, finally, getting to know the course. Weeklong Junior Golf Experiences are planned June 11, before camp starts, as well as at the conclusion of camp, the week of August 27. • Once again, there will be demo days scheduled on Saturday afternoons in the early summer that allow you to try new equipment to improve your game. We’re glad to announce that we have added Callaway to the lineup. You can come see us on demo days at the range, but we will also have equipment available in the golf shop to try on the course. • New merchandise will start to arrive in April. We will have a full line of Callaway products, plus clothing from Adidas, Cutter and Buck, Donald Ross, and Greg Norman, to name a few. New accessories such as Sterling cut glasses, Tervis tumbler mugs, custom Buck Hill throws, and Art and Stone custom clocks and coasters will also be displayed. If there is anything in particular that you’d like to see in the shop, let us know and we’ll will try to make it so. • We have a great golf schedule lined up for you. The Men’s and Ladies’ Golf Committees have worked hard putting together events that will be fun for all, and also provide great competition. We have a fabulous Junior schedule, too. Some early dates to The course opens April 13—come on down! keep in mind are: • Opening Day on April 13 (weather permitting). • Welcome Back Tourney May 26-27. • The Guthrie Cup June 2-3. • Ladies Opening Days June 4 (9-Holers) and June 6 (18-Holers) • Vultures and MOLS get started on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays after opening day.

Pat’s Patter Ed note: This month we introduce a new column by cottager Pat McGrath who will record his musings on favorite sport pastimes. What better opportunity to knock off the spring rust than Happy Hour 9-Holer Thursdays—a little skins game, 2:30pm tee off, followed by Happy Hour in the Fairway Grille at 5pm. Opening Day is April 13 and Happy Hour 9-Holer follows every Thursday thereafter. But not all are rusty. Certainly not the Vultures, who have been honing their craft in the sunny south all winter. What a cast of characters adorning the fairways in Florida: Karl Weiler (Key Largo), “off the shelf” following knee surgery, is striping it again. George Golfinopoulos (Vero) claimed no four-putts this winter. Awaiting scouting reports from the likes of Warren Goldfarb (Naples), Bill and Claire Castellano (Miami), and the king Vulture Dick Johnson (Sarasota). We eagerly await their return. From March 22-25, twenty unruly, yet mannerly, Buck Hill golfers descended on the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida, for the annual Buck Hill Spring Sojourn. Only at Ocean Reef can one be simultaneously unruly and mannerly. Thanks to the genteel hospitality of Art and Judie Berry, the group savored three unparalleled championship layouts in four days. As for Calcutta results, the handicaps of the winners are under review. Let’s hope Tom O’Malley—who broke 100 at least once—returns those scores to the computer. Shout outs to Ralph DellaRocca and Gary Clark for organizing the logistics, to Rob Walinchus for defending his “most balls in the water” title, and to the many who had to be wheeled to the first tee each morning. Finally, an enthusiastic look-ahead to our signature Men’s Member-Guest Tournament scheduled for July 12-14. Circle the dates. Showcase our community. Invite that special friend, family member, or business associate, and encourage them to bring the entire family for what promises to be a very special weekend. And please send in stories or tales for inclusion in the column to patrick.mcgrath3@gmail.com.

Up Close & Personal

New Peeps

We welcome these cottagers to the community. Nadya Shmavonian and Robert Woodward Nadya and Robert live in Philadelphia when not ensconced in Cottage 25. Nadya has three adult children (Marek, Kyle, and Julya) who vacationed here years ago, staying at the Ungers (Cottage 800). Both Nayda and Robert love sports, including tennis, golf, pickleball, open water swimming, biking, basketball, hiking (particularly enjoyable with Nadya’s puppy, Angus), and skiing, and are eager to learn paddle as a great winter activity. Nadya runs Robert Woodward and Nadya Shmavo- and, when home, Robert plays handball three times a week (and nian are the new owners of Cottage 25. has been doing so for 30 years). Robert’s passion lies in the arts: sculpting, painting, making jewelry and quilts. He also has a well-known face-painting company, Peanutbutter Arts. He loves to make things and solve problems creatively, so personalizing their cottage will be a wonderful project for him. Nadya has had a lengthy career in the nonprofit world and now also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Penn. In her spare time, she loves sewing and quilting. They both look forward to all that BHF has to offer. Heather Ross Heather and her son Aiden are the happy homeowners of Cottage 757. Heather says that meeting everyone at the Vosburg’s (Cottage 270) party last year was the deciding factor in buying her cottage. “You have all been so wonderful and welcoming. What an incredible community and your kindness to my son Aidan warmed my heart. To say the least, he is beyond excited and keeps bugging me to move here full time.” Rick and Ginny Mittereder Rick and Ginny are originally from western PA. Over the years they have lived in Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, and Rochester, NY. Shortly after Rick’s retirement from his position as Medical Director of Geriatrics at Unity Health System, they relocated to Chicago, which is their primary address for the time being. This move was at the The Huckleberry Mitteredinvitation of their son, Eric er clan (from left) Philip, and daughter-in-law, Alison, Rick, Ginny, Eric, and both practicing attorneys daughter-in-law Alison. in Chicago. Their other son, Philip, is an artist and currently lives in Philadelphia. Rick and Ginny have a long-term connection to Buck Hill Falls through Rick’s brother and sister-in-law, Dave and Jen Mittereder. They enjoy cross county skiing, hiking, and look forward to creating a garden at their new abode on Huckleberry Lane (Cottage 213).

SPRING 2018

THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

SPRING 2018

BHFCO Update

t may be the off-season, but the Buck Hill Falls Company Board of Directors has had a busy winter. The Board has met three times since the last issue of The Breeze, but we’ve been in touch with you via BreezeMail and BoardMail communications when we had pressing topics to cover. Last fall, in response to overwhelming enthusiasm among participants in the Focus Group meetings, the Board decided to explore the possibility of a community exercise facility. To identify the best location for a gym and how to equip it, a group of Board members worked with Mike O’Shea and reached out to about 90 cottagers, particularly those who had spoken up in the Focus Groups, for input. The Board decided to locate the facility in the room overlooking the platform tennis courts in the Paiste Pond Chalet. The main room in the building will continue to be available for use by the Senior Camp and other activities. Exercise equipment has been ordered and we anticipate the facility will open in May. To continue with our goal concerning better use of our existing building space, the BHF Board also took on a small renovation of the Tennis Tea side room. The walls were re-clad, lighting added, the bar

Serving You

Fairway Grille

n the blink of an eye, another glorious Buck Hill Falls summer will be upon us. When the Grille reopens on April 13, be prepared to enjoy some of our ever-popular features: • Happy Hour Thursdays from 5-6pm. The camaraderie and bargain offerings (half-priced appetizers and drinks) make this the go-to outing every week.

Regular dining at the Grille is just part of the BH experience.

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It’s Your Business removed, and floors repaired. This room will now accommodate spillover from the large room, and serve as a lounge for cottagers as we hope to add some comfortable furniture and perhaps an honor bar for non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks. Another area of focus for the Board over the past several months has been in the area of marketing and communications. At its last meeting, the Board approved a marketing plan designed ultimately to increase the demand for houses in Buck Hill. Under the leadership of Erin Delaney, the Company’s Manager of Public Relations and Communications, we will revamp the Company’s website and optimize our use of social media and advertising campaigns to better articu• Based on our successful events last year, we will include several special affairs this season as well. • An excellent wine list. We are working with local wine experts— both in the community and elsewhere—to ensure the Grille continues to offer premium wines by the glass. • Chef Ed will carry on with weekly specials and everyone’s traditional favorites. With the recent changes at the Grille, we want to stress that priority number one, as always, is customer service. The Grille is also poised to offer meals on the go for pickup or delivery; cater a dinner or special occasion in the comfort of your cottage; take advantage of the gluten free, organic, and “healthy choice” options available through our food purveyors; and is eager to address the potential for farm-to-table offerings. Bon appetit!

late Buck Hill’s brand and reach a larger, but more targeted market. Also at the January meeting, the Board approved hiring noted golf architect Rees Jones, Inc. to prepare a master plan for the Buck Hill golf courses. The resulting blueprint will provide us with a framework and prioritization of steps necessary to improve the course while preserving its heritage as a Donald Ross treasure. Regarding the Buck Hill Water Company, after carefully reviewing bids from two corporate water holding companies, the Board decided not to further pursue the possible sale of the water operation. We will continue to evaluate other strategic options, one of which may involve “privatization” of the water company to eliminate the considerable expense of operating as a public utility. Finally, the Board continues to closely monitor developments in the lawsuit brought by several cottagers against the Company in 2015. At plaintiff’s request, depositions were taken last fall from about 20 former Company and Lot & Cot board members. The discovery phase of the process is finally complete. The Company’s attorney is preparing a motion for Summary Judgment that was to be filed in late March. Should the case ultimately go to trial, it is unlikely to commence before this fall.

Lot & Cot

ot & Cot will kick off the LOT & COT summer season with a new Welcome Back Party on Saturday, May 26 for the whole family. There will be food for purchase, games, and fun for all ages. 5-8pm, Tennis Tea. • Join us for the Annual Spring Lot and Cot meeting on Sunday, May 27 at 4pm in the Tennis Tea. • Dues remain at $85 and can be paid via PayPal, by sending a check to PO BOX 171, BHF, or by emailing permission to charge your account to LotandCot@ Buckhillfalls.com. • The paddle tennis courts became the center of activity this winter, with tournaments every Thursday before happy hour and weekend clinics and round-robins organized by co-chairs Charlie Dickson and Caroline Salvino. A special thanks goes to Peter Heffernan, Cottage 756. He is Director of Squash, Meadow Mill Athletic Club in Baltimore, MD, and a racket sport professional who volunteered to help run the holiday tournaments. He provided skill and rules coaching to our beginner players, and stiff competition for the experienced set.

Save The Date

Look for special events at the Grille this season; here happy diners enjoy a wine tasting evening.

What: Lot & Cot’s Safety Committee is pleased to offer an on-site CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) course through the American Heart Association. The course will include basic CPR for adults and children including the use of the AED (Automated External Defibrillator). When: Saturday, July 7, 2018 from 9am-noon. Why: Because we are at least 25-40 minutes from Emergency Services; it is important to know how to help a loved one in the case of an emergency. Cost: $55 per person, lunch included.

Come on down to the Grille—opening day is April 13 and we look forward to seeing you.

For further details or to sign up, contact the Buck Hill Falls office at 570 595-7511.

Epic Storm… Epic Response

arch roared in like a lion when Buck Hill was slammed by Winter Storm Riley on the second day of the month. More than a foot of snow and hurricane force winds toppled trees and wires, closed roads, and left most residents without power for two or three days—although a small number waited nearly a week for restoration. Cottagers trying to get to Buck Hill for the weekend that Friday and Saturday were thwarted at the Delaware Water Gap by hazardous conditions and impassable roads; I-80 was a parking lot with hundreds of stranded vehicles. Cottagers already in residence huddled around their fireplaces, hoping to have electricity in time to make dinner. This was not to be. As hours turned in to days, Buck Hillers, cold and coffee-deprived, experienced the effects of isolation. Land lines and internet were out and charging cell phones was challenging. Local stores (even Lewis’ and CVS) and restaurants were also affected by the power outage and closed for several days. This was, indeed, an epic storm. But in true Buck Hill style, Mike O’Shea quarterbacked an equally epic response, despite the fact that the office had no power and limited capacity to communicate. Working from home (with power!), Erin Delaney issued timely updates to keep cottagers in the know; Chief Andy’s Security Team (relying on an emergency phone number and working out of Camp Club) made home inspections, checked on cottagers, and responded to all manner of emergent situations; and Tim Stem’s general and golf maintenance crews—numbering just 14—worked 20-hour shifts round the clock in brutal blizzard conditions plowing roads and driveways that were passable and clearing scores of downed trees blocking roads that were not. Several of these hardy souls camped out in the maintenance facility unable to make it home, and rumor has it that Mike slept on the floor of his office. “The heroic efforts of our staff cannot be overstated,” said Tony Bowe, Buck Hill Falls Company chairman. “The snow and wind were relentless; 12 miles of roads and more than 100 driveways had to be plowed in white-out conditions, and many of our streets could not be cleared of trees if they were entangled with wires without coordinating with PPL. When Buck Hill was pummeled by a second storm days

SPRING 2018

later, their mettle was tested yet again, and they attacked that challenge with the same tenacity. The commitment of this dogged team to defy Mother Nature when it was neither easy nor convenient nor comfortable is remarkable; and on behalf of the entire community, I want to express our deep appreciation for their uncommon efforts and dedication.” Unsurprisingly, the spirit of Buck Downed trees all round Hill immediately BH were a casuality of kicked in—that spirit the brutal storm. that is so difficult to articulate but is omnipresent, palpable, and distinguishing. In quintessential Buck Hill fashion, cottagers who were not in residence but had generators opened their homes to their storm-weary neighbors. Robin Ottaway made a quick round trip to Buck Hill from Brooklyn to welcome “refugees” to his home on Long Road and to his parents’ cottage on Haverhill, and the Vosburgs and Rusbasans made arrangements with Security to open their houses on Ledge and Wintergreen. “After 18 hours without power, a proper meal, hot Chris Weiler digs out a shower, warm bed, path for his parents charging stations, Karl and Ann at and especially morning Cottage 342. coffee—simple pleasures we take for granted—were such gifts,” said Karen Chase who took refuge at David and Marina Ottaway’s cottage. “This generosity, while typical of Buck Hill, was simply humbling and overwhelming.” ince 1901, Buck Hill has been a community of Friends and friends, where good neighbors are priceless treasures and care and consideration reign. As Peggy Bancroft writes in her book, Buck Hill is a Feeling of the Heart, it is people rather than place that make it so special. “You just know there is a difference here, and you feel it will be here forever, no matter what!” And that difference was oh so obvious during Winter Storm Riley. Buck Hill taken by storm? Absolutely not!

THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

SPRING 2018

Friendly Community Center Spring is the perfect time to renew and refresh and our upcoming activities will help you do just that. Join us for programs that connect you with friends while keeping you healthy, fit, and having fun. • Hop on the bus for a trip to Longwood Gardens on Saturday, May 19 to see the newly renovated fountain gardens and spring flowers in bloom. Tickets include transportation, driver gratuity, and admission; Adults $68, seniors $65, members of The FCC receive a discount. • Intro to Medicare Made Simple will be presented by Apprise Counselor, Sandy Goodeyne, on Tuesday, April 24 at 6:30pm. You can also make a personal appointment (in advance) with Sandy to work through your Medicare issues on any first Wednesday of the month. • Learn how to use essential oils in your home for cooking, cleaning, and other DIY uses with Aly Shik on Tuesday, April 17 at 7pm. An optional starter kit ($25) is available if you register by April 2. • Into birding? If so, attend our Barrett Bird Club on the second Tuesday of each month, led by Jackie and Darryl Speicher of the Pocono Avian Research Center. • We offer many classes to relax, refresh, or challenge yourself, including Cardio Sculpt, Zumba, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Mindful Meditation. Check our website for details. Some programs are free and open to the public while others require a membership fee. For more information and details, call Nicole Abrams at 570 481-4330, visit www.thefriendlycommunitycenter.org, or check Facebook.

On & Off Campus Neighbors In Need The tradition of Buck Hill Falls serving our larger community continues in 2018. The Buck Hill Community Services Committee has distributed more than $30,000 that was raised within the community in 2017. These much-needed funds have been given to organizations that service Barrett Township and Monroe County, including: C.A.M.E. (our local food bank), Barrett Friendly Library, Pocono Medical Center (Dracos Orthopedic Clinic), Meals on Wheels, Family Promise, Women’s Resources, Friendly Community Center, Burnley Workshop, Salvation Army, and The Barrett Volunteer Fire Co. The committee has heard presentations from many of these groups and continues to explore what they do and how our funds are being used to better the lives of our neighbors. It is such a rewarding experience to be a part of helping those in our surrounding community. The hard-working volunteers that staff many of these organizations are truly grateful for our support; we often hear that they couldn’t do their important work without the help of your donations. We send our many thanks to all who have contributed to help make this possible. And so, we begin again. Please consider donating to the Buck Hill Falls Community Services fund this year. Each dollar goes directly to our local neighbors in need. Donations can be made to the Buck Hill Falls Community Services Committee:

Local Theater The Pocono Mountains Theater Company (PMTC) has announced that its first production of the year, The Amish Project by Jessica Dickey, will be performed during the month of May at several venues throughout the region. The Amish Project is a fictional exploration of the tragic Nickel Mines Schoolhouse shooting in an Amish community and the path of forgiveness and compassion forged in its wake. A single actress performs all the roles in this thought-provoking and compelling work. Bethlehem’s Syd Stauffer and East Stroudsburg’s Gillian Turner will alternate in the role. Artistic Director Brian Long, assisted by Associate Producer Maryjane Baer, will direct The Amish Project. Two local venues include the Siamsa Irish Pub in Stroudsburg on May 2, 9, 16, and 23 and in Buck Hill at time and date to be determined. For those up to traveling farther afield, the PMTC will present a staged reading of Lyle Kessler’s Perp on April 21 at 8pm in the Prosser Auditorium at Moravian College in Bethlehem. The play is about a man accused of a violent crime who finds help and salvation from unlikely sources in this tale of deceit and retribution. Kessler is the playwright of the world-renowned play, Orphans. Established three years ago by Brian Long, former Managing Director of New York City’s Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, PMTC is a regional theater company committed to the development and production of diverse new works by American artists, both local and national; to cultivate and expand audiences to support the future patronage of American theater; and to provide a positive collaborative impact to the community, both culturally and financially. For more information, visit www. poconomountainstheatercompany.org.

By mail: PO Box 453 Buck Hill Falls, PA 18323 Yoga is just one of many classes offered at the FCC.

By PayPal: http://bit.ly/1GEfpxj

Lyle Kessler author of Orphans and Perps.

A Buck Hill Gameologist by Mary Lowengard

SPRING 2018

strategy, the Archers enjoy Head’s Up, a downloadable app “invented,” played, and promoted by talk show impresario Ellen DeGeneres. It’s more entertaining than daytime TV, they insist. The Walinchus clan advocate Chicken Feet and Dutch Blitz. Chicken Feet is actually Chicken Foot, a variation of dominos. Dutch Blitz is a “vonderful goot” card game (according to the package) that tests smarts, skills, and speed. Native to Eastern and Central Pennsylvania, it is now played worldwide. Apparently it is the opposite of Cards Against Humanity, which explains its popularity in the Amish and Mennonite communities. I’d never heard of Bolkys, the merits of which Stina Sopko extolled. Finding no reference to it online, I assumed it was a game played by one of those secret societies like Skull and Bones or the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. (It does boggle the mind that a secret society can be readily found on Wikipedia.) On further investigation it turned out it’s actually Blokus, available from Amazon. Perhaps the bourbon impaired my spelling. Even sober, the concept of monominos, trominos, and terominos is hard to grasp, which is why Blokus won a coveted Mensa Select award. The Keatings and the Mittereders are puzzlers. Are puzzles really a “game”? Yes, when they have rules such as Jen and Dave have established. Just ask. The J.W. Frehses are puzzle people, too. Woody adds his own special fun when participating in constructing a 5,000-piece puzzle by hiding the last piece. I didn’t ask where; I didn’t want to know. Which brings us to Scrabble, the best way to while away the hours after dinner with the McCoubreys since Law and Order went off prime time. We play religiously, competitively, and are saving all our scores in a notebook for our biographers. It’s made all the more challenging if we drop a tile on my Scrabble tile-colored rug. And, I’m sorry, Dan, I don’t care what the Official Scrabble Dictionary says, Qi is not a word.

Diary Of

rigorous scientific study I undertook this winter confirms definitively that Buck Hillers are game for games. And not just the kind played on a groomed expanse of bentgrass with a 3 Wood. Rather, the kind with a board, a deck of cards, 100 19-by-19 mm lettered wood (or plastic) tiles or 152 bone, bamboo, or Bakelite tiles embellished with dots, bamboos, or characters. My research methodology consisted of being the second registrant for the February Lot and Cot Buck Hill Trivia Night. Following the heated competition (two bourbon sours and a glass of sauvignon blanc) I polled attendees about Games People Play in Buck Hill. Mah Jongg, invented in China maybe around 1870 by a Shanghai nobleman, is the favored pastime of Hannah Rawlings, Susan Rusbasan, Lucy Stone, the Castellano Dynasty, and more than a dozen there’s no room to name. Had mah jongg come to Buck Hill when it first emigrated from China in the twenties, now that would be cool. But it didn’t. It started six or seven years ago, when the Buck Hill Art Association offered lessons. “I’m not a big game person,” remarked mah jongg maven Ginny May, presumably not in the Hemingwayian sense. She likes that it’s “mind-challenging.” Indeed, there have been (real) studies demonstrating that mah jongg is a viable treatment option for dementia. In the privacy of their own cottages, Buck Hillers can be found gaming away at Backgammon, Chess, Monopoly, Jenga, Bridge, Monikers, Canasta, and Connect 4. Then there are the off-the-beaten-track gamers. The Archers play the deterministic medieval abstract strategy board game Hounds and Hares (or Hare and Hounds). When not absorbed in games derived from French military

THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

SPRING 2018

Call Of The Wild The BHCF and BHFC are launching a Barberry control program and encourage cottagers to attack the invasive on their own properties.

THE BUCK HILL BREEZE

Barberry Battle

he BH Conservation Foundation and BHFC have launched a new joint counteroffensive against a prickly foreign invader: Japanese Barberry. The project to combat this invasive species is a response to the recommendations outlined in the BH Forest Management Plan, and was initiated by a Green Team conversation with Mike O’Shea and Tim Stem. Long ago introduced in the USA as an ornamental plant, barberry has now invaded forest floors and natural landscaping. Forest Regeneration Services has been contracted to lead the charge this

spring in reducing barberry in the popular wooded areas nearest the BH cottage community and amenities. Barry Rose, the certified forester contracted to treat the barberry, has demonstrated great success in his knotweed eradication along Buck Hill Creek, a program that has extended through the past two years, with over 90% of the knotweed in that area destroyed. Also, his past treatment of barberry in the seven-acre Deer Enclosure proved highly effective. Not only does barberry choke out native plants and inhibit forest regeneration, but dense thickets harbor heavy presence of Lyme disease-carrying ticks. You can read about the tick/barberry relationship on the Conservation Foundation website: www.buckhillconservation.org. Japanese Barberry, which grows from 3-7 feet tall, has small oval leaves, prickly spines, and produces shiny red berries. The Foundation and the BHFC are encouraging cottagers to launch barberry assaults on their own properties. The battle is a challenging one. For help, check the Penn State Extension website for recommendations on combatting invasive species. We will provide specific details in the next issue of The Breeze.

SPRING 2018

Wishing you a Happy & Healthy Spring. Thank you to all of our Military & their families for serving our Country.

Bulletin Board April 1-May 31, 2018

FAIRWAY GRILLE – Hours

Opening Day-April 13, Friday April - May Mondays-Wednesdays 11am-5pm Bar closes at 6pm Thursdays 11am-7pm; Happy Hour 5-6pm Bar closes at 8pm Fridays-Saturdays 8am-9pm Bar closes at 10pm Sundays 8am-7pm Bar closes at 8pm 570 595-3535 Reservations are welcomed and are required for parties of 10 or more. Management has the discretion to close earlier than posted hours.

Golf

Opening Day April 13, Friday (weather permitting)

Ten nis

Opening Day May 26, Saturday Saturday 8:30-10am—Drills and Skill s Saturday 10am—Adult Mixer Saturday 11am-noon—Ankle Bite rs (ages 5-8) Saturday 11am-noon— Future Star s (ages 9-13) Sunday 8:30-10am—Drills and Skill s Sunday 10-11am Men (50 plus) Sunday 11am-12:30pm—Drills and Skills Sunday 3pm—Men’s Round Robin

Lawn Bowling

Opening Day May 26, Saturday

Grooving’ On The Greens Saturdays, 4:30pm jimprice95@icloud.com

M us ic Fe stival

Show The Marcy & Zina 0pm; Skytop Lodge 7:3 ay rd tu Sa May 19, ls) (see pg. 6 for detai www.poconofest.org.

Lot & Cot

Welcome Back Party May 26, Saturday 5-8 pm Tennis Tea Spring Meeting May 27, Sunday 4 pm Tennis Tea

From your friends at Buck Hill Falls & Skytop

Fishing

Opening Day April 14, Saturday

Tras h Pic k Up

Refuse - Mondays 6:30am April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 May 7, 14, 21, 29* *Tuesday Holiday Pick up Recycling - Mondays 6:3 0am April 9, 23 May 7, 21

Maria McDonough Cell 570-481-4174

Lacey DiTondo

Cell 908-339-2287

Timothy McDonough Cell 973-277-3834

Anne Russo

Cell 570-807-3881

Caroline Salvino

Associate Broker

If you are thinking of buying, selling, or renting, call Caroline. She lives, works and plays in Buck Hill Falls!

Caroline is a FULL-TIME agent with 30+ years experience! She sold 12 of her listings and represented 10 buyers during the past 15 months, TWICE as many sales as ALL other agents COMBINED!

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Mobile: (570) 977-1777 • Office: (570) 595-3705 • ccsalvino@gmail.com To view all Buck Hill Falls listings please visit www.BuckHillFallsRealEstate.com 1124 Route 390, Mountainhome, PA 18342 • www.ClassicProperties.com